KippsDeSanto & Co., an investment banking firm focused on serving growth-oriented Aerospace & Defense and Government Technology Solutions companies, is pleased to share its DealView – the “Top 10 M&A Deals of the Quarter” – for the quarter ended December 31st, 2025.
Of the featured transactions, we would like to highlight the following deals:
- The A&D deal of the quarter is the acquisition of Zone 5 Technologies LLC (“Zone 5" or "the Company") by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, a subsidiary of Kongsberg Gruppen ASA (OSL: KOG) (“Kongsberg”). Zone 5 provides low-cost missiles and kinetic C-UAS that enable affordable mass and precision strike engagements from a range of aircraft. Founded in 2011 in San Luis Obispo, CA, Zone 5’s key products include Rusty Dagger – a low cost, versatile strike missile with flexible launch options and demonstrated successful tests; White Spike – a low-cost group 3+ affordable air interceptor; and Paladin – a low collateral effects interceptor. Zone 5’s products have been selected for notable programs, including U.S. Air Force ERAM (“Extended Range Attack Munition”), FAMM (“Family of Affordable Mass Missiles”), and the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit for the flight testing of low-cost kill systems against larger drones. This acquisition underscores Kongsberg’s commitment to expanding its strike missile portfolio and developing Full Spectrum Air Defense capabilities, while further advancing its presence in the United States. The transaction also highlights key M&A themes, including buyer demand for assets producing high-volume, affordable munitions critical for defense against massive air drone attacks and strike capability against a wide range of adversary assets. Kongsberg will acquire 90% of Zone 5, as the management team will remain as minority shareholders after the transaction closes. The transaction was announced on December 16, 2025, and remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
- The GTS deal of the quarter is the acquisition of SilverEdge Government Solutions, LLC (“SilverEdge” or “the Company”), a portfolio company of Godspeed Capital Management (“Godspeed”), by Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAIC). SilverEdge provides cybersecurity, AI-based development and analytics services, digital transformation, and intelligence solutions to U.S. defense and intelligence markets. SilverEdge’s flagship SaaS product suite, SOAR, provides fully customizable, low-risk software solutions tailored to customer specifications through commercial marketplaces. The Company also recently unveiled MynAI, a secure and responsible agentic AI product specifically designed for operation in highly regulated and secured government environments. This acquisition advances SAIC's strategy of bringing mission-focused, IP-based solutions and commercial products to its customers. By integrating SilverEdge's SaaS products and expertise, SAIC will further enhance its ability to deliver real-time mission-based solutions with speed, efficiency, and agility. The transaction also underscores SAIC's commitment to pursuing strategic investments in accretive and complementary tuck-ins to strengthen its position as a premier mission integrator. The addition of SilverEdge’s highly cleared professionals and innovative technologies positions the combined entity to tackle national priorities and deliver an expanded suite of products to the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. The deal was announced on October 6, 2025, and subsequently closed on October 17, 2025, for approximately $205 million in all-cash consideration.
KippsDeSanto & Co. is a leading investment banking firm focused on serving growth-oriented Aerospace & Defense, Government Technology Services, and Enterprise Technology companies. Having advised on more than 250 transactions since 2008, the KippsDeSanto team is recognized for analytical rigor, market insights, and broad industry relationships. Whether it is a sale, merger, divestiture, ESOP, minority investment, or buyside support, the team has the knowledge and network needed to navigate every step of the process. There’s no substitute for experience. For more information, visit www.kippsdesanto.com.
Securities and investment banking products and services are offered through KippsDeSanto & Co., a non-banking subsidiary of Capital One, N.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Capital One Financial Corporation. KippsDeSanto is a member of FINRA and SIPC. Products or services are Not FDIC Insured, Not Bank Guaranteed, May Lose Value, Not a Deposit, and Not Insured By Any Federal Governmental Agency.
